Synthesis of continuous MOF-5 membranes on porous α-alumina substrates

The first continuous and well-intergrown MOF-5 membrane, evidenced from SEM imaging and X-ray diffraction (XRD), was successfully prepared on porous α-alumina substrate by in situ solvothermal synthesis. The BET measurements on crystals taken from the same mother liquor that was used for membrane synthesis yield a Langmuir surface area of 2259 m2/g and a narrow pore size distribution centered at 1.56 nm. The permeation data for simple gases of H2, CH4, N2, CO2 and SF6 show that the diffusion of simple gases through a MOF-5 membrane follows the Knudsen diffusion behavior.